JMSS Exam Guide (2028 Entry): Edutest Format & Science Papers

This is the John Monash Science School exam guide for 2028 entry: Edutest format (not ACER), how Year 10 and Year 11 sittings differ, science papers including Science Interest & Communication, and how to apply. The drills, the free diagnostic, and the science papers are on JMSS Practice Tests. Interview coaching after a shortlist is JT Education's JMSS interview guide.

Key Exam Information

Entry Points

• Year 10 Entry: Exam typically held in mid June
• Year 11 Entry: Exam typically held in late May
• Important Note: Only one intake per year for entrance into the following year

Application Process

1. 1. Exam registration (apply via Edutest)
2. 2. Entrance Exam (administered by Edutest)
3. 3. Interview Day (shortlisted applicants only, JT Education)
   • Group Activities
   • 1-on-1 Interviews

For detailed information on the application process, visit the official John Monash Science School website.

Exam Structure Overview

Year 10 Entry (Current Year 9 Students)

The entrance exam consists of five distinct tests:

Year 11 Entry (Current Year 10 Students)

Similar structure with five tests:

Types of Exams

• Tests of Ability: measure your potential
• Tests of Achievement: assess your performance

Detailed Test Breakdowns

Mathematics

The Mathematics test assesses year-level mathematical knowledge, plus a little extra challenge to see how well you apply concepts beyond the standard curriculum. Expect content from the year 6-10 curriculum.

Topics Covered:

• Basics
• Algebra
• Surds
• Indices
• Equations
• Linear
• Non-linear Relationships
• Pythagoras Theorem
• Trigonometry
• Geometry
• Probability
• Statistics
• Financial Math
• Rates & Proportion
• Measurement
• Kinematics
• Sequences and Series
• Logarithms

Numerical Reasoning

Numerical reasoning is a test that evaluates your ability to think and reason using numbers, focusing on problem-solving rather than memorised knowledge.

Key Components:

• Number Patterns
  • Series
  • Sequences
  • Matrices
  • Shapes
  • Boxes
  • Tables
• Worded Problems
  • Time
  • Motion
  • Financial Math
  • Measurement
  • Statistics
  • Probability

Science Reasoning

Science Reasoning assesses your observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills in a scientific context.

Topics:

• Biology
  • a. Cells
  • b. Body Systems
  • c. Diseases
  • d. Ecosystems
  • e. Evolution
  • f. Genetics
• Chemistry
  • a. Atoms
  • b. Periodic Table
  • c. Reactions
  • d. States of Matter
• Physics
  • a. Forces
  • b. Kinematics
  • c. Mechanics
  • d. Electricity
  • e. Energy
• Astronomy
  • a. Scale
  • b. Planets
  • c. Orbit
  • d. Satellites
  • e. Time
• Geology
  • a. Plate Tectonics
  • b. Rock Types
  • c. Moh's Hardness Scale
  • d. Cartography
• Experiments
  • a. Variables
  • b. Conclusions

Question Types

• Drawing Conclusions
• Graph Analysis
• Table Analysis
• Estimation/Scale
• Flow Charts
• Contour Lines
• Cross Sections
• Science Equations

Year 10 Entry Specific Tests

Science Interest & Communication (SIC)

Science Interest & Communication is the written paper families often search as "JMSS writing tips". You get background articles or paragraphs, then questions that ask you to build an argument. Markers want two things at once: a clear explanation, and visible engagement with STEM. Practise by reading popular science and re-explaining it in plain language. The paper rewards argument and explanation over storytelling.

Science Analysis & Reporting (SAR)

Science Analysis & Reporting (SAR) is a 30 minute written test: 5 minutes of reading time and 25 minutes of writing time. It assesses how well you analyse scientific data and present findings in a structured report. You receive an incomplete experimental report and answer a few questions about it in your response.

Year 11 Entry Specific Tests

Science Knowledge

Science Knowledge (some schools list it as "Science") is a Year 11 only, 30 question, 30 minute, multiple choice test that measures your understanding of biology, physics, and chemistry through visual and written data interpretation. It is close to Science Reasoning, with more emphasis on year-level content.

Science Writing Skills (Year 11)

The Year 11 written test is Science Writing Skills (some schools list it as "Writing Science Skills"), a 30 minute paper that evaluates your ability to communicate scientific information clearly and logically. It takes the place of the Science Interest & Communication paper Year 10 applicants sit.

Preparation Checklist

General Preparation

Week Before Exam

Day of Exam

Where to practise

This page is the exam: papers, timings, application. The drills are on JMSS Practice Tests: free diagnostic, how to train Science Reasoning and the written science papers, and why a generic Edutest pack leaves those out. Shared Mathematics and Numerical Reasoning patterns are also on the Edutest exam guide.

Study plans (12, 6, 3, 2 and 1 month)

Science thinking develops slowly, so six to twelve months is a comfortable runway. A shorter burst still helps if you train the papers you will sit. Timed section practice and the free diagnostic are on JMSS Practice Tests. The generic Edutest sections (Mathematics and Numerical Reasoning) are covered in more depth on the Edutest exam guide.

• 12 months: Shore up year-level maths. Read popular science weekly. Get used to graphs, tables and simple experiments. No need to sit full mocks yet.
• 6 months: Weekly data-interpretation. Edutest-style maths and numerical reasoning papers. One short evidence-based science write-up a week. Year 11 candidates add school science for Science Knowledge.
• 3 months: Timed practice across all five papers. Review every miss. Work through unfamiliar science scenarios so fewer questions surprise you on the day.
• 2 months: Full mock sittings under real timing. Keep an error log. Rehearse written science so the argument stays short and evidence-based.
• 1 month: Consolidate. Do not start new topics. If you are shortlisted, interview prep is a different skill. Use JT Education's interview guide, rather than another written-exam drill.

FAQs

Q: How does the JMSS exam differ from other selective school exams?
A: While ACER administers most selective school exams in Victoria, the JMSS exam is administered by Edutest and has a stronger focus on scientific aptitude and communication.

Q: How much time should I spend preparing?
A: Most successful candidates begin preparing 3-6 months before the exam, dedicating several hours per week to timed practice and concept review. Start on the JMSS Practice Tests page rather than a generic Edutest pack.

Q: What's the most challenging part of the exam?
A: Many students find the time pressure challenging, particularly in the Mathematics section with 60 questions in 30 minutes. Regular timed practice is essential.

Note: Exam formats and content may vary year to year. This guide describes practice in the published exam format. It is not a set of past papers, and it is not official marking. Check official JMSS communications for the most current information.